Wasp attack victim stung nearly 100 times

Elderly Masterton woman Mary Everitt is in a serious condition in Wairarapa Hospital after collapsing from a stroke on Wednesday before receiving almost 100 stings in a half hour wasp attack as rescuers watched on powerless to help.
Wairarapa Hospital communications officer Jan McLaren said Mrs Everitt, 87, in now under careful observation in the high dependency unit.
She said Mrs Everitt ? who has had hip replacements - had suffered a massive stroke before the wasp attack.
Jacqui Staats and Michael Hilhorst, Harley Street neighbours of the elderly woman, were the first on the scene on Wednesday after Mrs Everitt triggered her medical alarm bracelet and they found her lying in her garden covered in wasps.
The Times-Age was earlier told that an ambulance was called and the couple, along with their nine-year-old son Nicholas, were able to get within earshot only of Mrs Everitt as the woman "buried her face in the bark and pulled her shirt up over her head".
"But every time she did that, she exposed the skin on her back. The air was humming with wasps and we couldn't get any closer. She was in agony," Mr Hilhorst said. "We felt absolutely helpless ? just helpless."
It is understood Mrs Everitt was stung up to 95 times and that wasps were still flying from her clothing when she arrived at the hospital.
Garry Nielsen, Masterton Fire Service station officer, earlier said two firefighters wearing flash hoods, protective clothing, and breathing apparatus had covered the nest and performed a 'snap rescue' of Mrs Everitt, shifting her away from where she lay.